Hard Shell Vs Soft Shell Luggage: The Battle Continues
Ever since soft shell luggage entered the market, comparisons have been drawn between hard-sided and soft-sided bags to establish one’s superiority over the other. Truth be told, both hard-sided and soft-sided luggage serve their own purpose and have their own pros and cons. One is not better than the other – just more suitable for certain types of travel and requirements.
Here’s a brief overview of both types of luggage and their respective advantages and disadvantages.
Hard Shell Luggage: Hard-sided luggage is made from materials such as aluminum and polycarbonate and have a rigid exterior owing to their molded construction. Some of the most common pros and cons of hard-sided luggage include:
Durability: Made from tough materials like aluminum and polycarbonate, hard-sided luggage is extremely durable and long lasting.
Protection: Due to their tough exterior, hard-sided bags are able to provide maximum protection to the gear packed inside them against bumps, knocks and falls.
Weight: Usage of solid materials tend to make hard-sided luggage heavier. However, luggage manufacturers have started using lightweight materials for constructing hard-sided luggage to cater to the needs of modern day travelers.
Stress: Put under pressure or stress, hard-sided bags have a tendency to get deformed or broken.
Cost: Hard-sided luggage usually cost more than its soft-sided counterparts because of the complexity of construction.
Style: If you’re buying a hard-sided luggage, your only choice might be a rectangular shaped suitcase with wheels and handle or a smaller-sized business case.
Soft Shell Luggage: Soft-sided luggage is made from fabrics like canvas, nylon, polyester, etc, though some high end ones are also made from leather. Such bags have a soft exterior. The benefits and drawbacks of soft-sided luggage are:
Lightweight: Soft-sided luggage is the preferred choice of travelers worldwide because of its light weight. In fact, luggage companies keep coming up with newer, lighter collections to increase their market share.
Organization: Soft-sided luggage comes with several compartments and dividers that aid organization. These products can also have the expandability function, which provides additional packing space if needed.
Maneuverability: Made from materials that are flexible, soft shell luggage is easily maneuverable. It’s possible to squeeze soft shell luggage into overhead bins in aircrafts or the boot of your car, and the bags will spring back into shape.
Style: Soft-sided luggage is available in various styles from uprights and duffles to totes and backpacks.
Longevity: For obvious reasons, the longevity of soft-sided luggage is not as much as that of hard-sided ones. However, the use of tough materials like ballistic nylon has added durability to soft shell luggage.
When you’re getting ready for your next trip, just think about the kind of travel you have to do and things you have to transport. If you have to transport your luggage from terminal to terminal or haul it between multiple destinations, then you might be better served by a lightweight soft shell suitcase. Soft-sided travel luggage and carry-ons are also a better choice if all you’re taking with you are clothes and non-fragile items. On the other hand, hard shell luggage is better suited for transporting delicate items and valuables that can break easily.
About the Author
Luther Davis is a marketing executive with a California-based software firm. He travels extensively for work within the United States and Europe, which makes him sort of an expert on anything travel related, especially luggage. He loves to network with travel enthusiasts and comments extensively on his experience with various brands and types of luggage.
Luther’s other passions include learning different languages. He speaks fluent Spanish, limited French & German. When he is not brushing up on his French, you’ll find him reading about different cultures around the world.
PSP Go Soft Carrying Case Review
|
|
Nylon Soft Carrying Case Handbag for 10 Inch Laptop $16.19 |
|
|
Fabric Outter Nap Soft Inner 10″ Notebook Carrying Bag $12.73 |
|
|
Sleeve Soft Carrying Case Cover Bag for Amazon Kindle Fire 7 inch Tablet Black $4.70 |
|
|
Easy Carrying Soft 7″ Notebook Laptop Bag Shockproof $33.80 |
|
|
Sony Soft Carrying Case Lens Camera Bag Navy Blue SLR LCS-BBD $7.99 |
|
|
Sony LCS-EME Black Soft Carrying Case for NEX-5 / NEX-5N / NEX-3 / NEX-C3 $88.00 |
|
|
GARMIN 010-11792-00 UNIVERSAL 4.3″ SOFT CARRYING CASE $28.37 |
|
|
TPI A100, Soft Carrying Case, NEW!! A-100 $11.95 |
|
|
SONY SEMI SOFT CARRYING CASE LCM-TRVA for TRV33/22/19/14/12 $59.99 |
|
|
BOLLE canvas Storage carrying Sunglasses Soft Case Green NEW $16.15 |
|
|
Portable Smooth Soft Fabric 10″ Notebook Carrying Bag $12.23 |
|
|
NEW ICOM LC-167 Soft Carrying Case for IC-V85 IC-V85E $31.95 |
|
|
Sony LCS-TWA/R Soft Leather Carrying Case for DSC-T … $34.00 |
|
|
Clarus canvas Storage carrying Sunglass Soft Case Black NEW $13.60 |
|
|
Sony LCSWE Soft Leather Carrying Case $29.00 |
|
|
Sony LCS-X20 General Soft Carrying Case $18.99 |
|
|
Agilent N1615A Soft Carrying Case NOS $32.50 |
|
|
Epson – V12H001K60 – Soft Projector Case – Carrying Cases – 2N93919 $44.95 |
|
|
SONY LCS-U10 SOFT CARRYING CASE FOR HANDYCAM AND MORE $17.60 |
|
|
SONY CYBER-SHOT LCS-HE SOFT CARRYING CASE FOR (DSC-HX1, H50, H9, H7, H5) NEW $37.00 |
|
|
Sony LCS-TWB/P Leather Soft Carrying Case Pink $9.98 |
|
|
Soft Shell Carrying Case for Max OR MaxPort $49.00 |
|
|
SONY LCSX20 – LCS-X20 STAIN RESISTANT NYLON SOFT CARRYING CASE $17.99 |
|
|
SONY General Soft Carrying Case for CAMCORDERS: LCS-X20 $17.95 |
|
|
Akai MPC 1000 Drum Machine w/ soft carrying case, manuals, 32MB Bonus Track $430.00 |
|
|
Vanguard – PEKING6A – Peking Soft Bag – 2 Item Bundle – Carrying Cases – 2T51526 $20.90 |
|
|
Vanguard – PEKING6B – Peking Soft Bag – 2 Item Bundle – Carrying Cases – 2T51527 $20.90 |
|
|
Canon – 3514B002 – PSC-500 Deluxe Soft Camera Case – 2 Item Bundle – Carrying Ca $22.90 |
|
|
Vanguard – PEKING5 – Peking Soft Bag – 3 Item Bundle – Carrying Cases – 2CL4359 $25.85 |
|
|
20 Pair Flents Quiet Time Soft Foam Ear Plugs NRR33 W/ Carrying Case Please Look $9.99 |
|
|
NEW QUALITY BW-ASF-BAG SOFT BIKE BICYCLE CARRYING NYLON HEAVY DUTY TRAVEL CASE $379.00 |
|
|
Sony LCS-CST Soft Carrying Case $25.99 |
|
|
Genuine Canon SC-A40 Soft Carrying Case Elura 40MC 50 $14.95 |
|
|
Butterfly 15″ 15.4″ Neoprene soft Case Laptop Netbook Sleeve Carrying Bag Cover $8.70 |
|
|
SONY LCSCSD Soft Cyber-shot® Carrying Case: LCS-CSD $19.95 |
|
|
Black Gun Rifle Shotgun Soft Carrying Case Bag Rug 54″ Padded Interior Hunting $21.99 |
|
|
Gray Soft Vinyl Jewelry Display Travel Carrying Case $41.50 |
|
|
RED outer bag carrying handle soft case cover f apple MacBook Pro 13 13.3 A1278 $24.99 |
|
|
Brand New Kids Toon Disney Red Blanket with Carrying Case Both are Very Soft $10.95 |
|
|
Ultra Sleek Tough Soft Carrying Bag for 7″ Mini Laptop $8.25 |
|
|
10″ Laptop Notebook Portfolio Soft Carrying Case BK/RED $9.99 |
|
|
Easy Carrying Soft 14.1″ Notebook Laptop Bag Shockproof $5.02 |
|
|
SONY CYBER-SHOT SOFT CARRYING CASES PINK / TAN -LCS-CSK $7.96 |
|
|
Sony LCSX20 Soft Carrying Case Nylon Shoulder Strap!!!! $21.83 |
|
|
Carrying handle Outer bag soft case f apple MacBook Pro 13 13.3 White MacBook 13 $24.99 |
|
|
Carrying handle Outer bag soft case f apple MacBook Pro 13 13.3 White MacBook 13 $24.99 |
|
|
Carrying handle Outer bag soft case f apple MacBook Pro 13 13.3 White MacBook 13 $24.99 |
|
|
Carrying handle Outer bag soft case f apple MacBook Pro 13 13.3 White MacBook 13 $24.99 |
|
|
Rum Runner Cruise Kit $21.95 Each Rum Runner Cruise Special Kit contains three of our 32oz Travelers and three 8oz easy filling, heavy duty, collapsible flasks and one funnel. Our 32oz Travelers are perfect for taking your favorite beverage in your checked luggage and they make having that cocktail while relaxing before dinner effortless. The 8oz pocket flasks are great for those side trips or on deck. The Flasks are made of … |
|
|
Cupcake Courier 36-Cupcake Plastic Storage Container Designed to transport and store cupcakes and muffins in a stylish carrier. Invented and developed by a mother of two in need of a product to transport gazillions of cupcakes to schools and parties…. |
|
|
Durable Deluxe Insulated Lunch Cooler Bag (Many Colors and Size Available) Bring the cool with you wherever you go with this insulated handy soft cooler. It’s durable and waterproof outside and inside with a center that’s insulated to keep food and beverages cold…. |
|
|
Olympus Stylus TOUGH-6000 Shockproof & Waterproof Digital Camera (White) + 2GB xD Card + Spare Li-50B Battery + Case + Cameta Bonus Accessory Kit Kit includes: |
|
|
Delorean $11.34 … |
|
|
Finger Pulse Oximeter SM-110 with Carry Case and Neck/Wrist Cord $42.95 It can be used by a variety of sports enthusiasts, including mountain climbers, hikers, skiers, bikers, and others interested in measuring oxygen saturation and pulse rate and is not for medical use. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: Display–>Type : LED, Parameters : SpO2, PR, Pleth bar., Information : low power ::SPO2–>Measure Range : 35-99%, Resolution : ±1%, Accuracy : 75%-99%:±2, 50%-75%:±3, 0%… |
|
|
OneTouch UltraMini Glucose Monitoring System 1 ea LifeScan OneTouch UltraMini Blood Glucose Monitoring System has no complicated screens, no bells, no whistles-just the number you want from Lifescan’s smallest meter. Provides accurate results in just 5 seconds. Provides a large, easy-to-read screen and simple 3 step testing. Just the right size to easily fit in you pocket or purse. Comes complete with OneTouch UltraMini Blood Glucose Meter (batte… |
|
|
Conair HH320SB Pro Styler 1875-Watt Bonnet Dryer, White $30.86 CONAIR HH320LB PRO STYLE HAIR DRYER… |
|
|
SOFT CARRYING CASE FOR COMPACT $27.99 SOFT CARRYING CASE FOR COMPACT |
|
|
DV-67 Soft Carrying Case $29.95 Sakar DV67 DV-67 Soft Carrying Case |
|
|
YK-CASE01 – soft carrying case $44.99 Casio YK-CASE01 – Soft carrying case – black |
|
|
Soft Carrying Case $8.46 Soft Carrying Case Soft Carrying CaseDurable case protects your GPS while in use or in storage. |
|
|
Soft Carrying Case – Scanner carrying case $72.99 Canon Soft Carrying Case – Scanner carrying case – for imageFORMULA DR-2010C DR-2510C |
|
|
Soft Carrying Case ELPKS64 – Projector carrying case $29.99 Epson Soft Carrying Case ELPKS64 – Projector carrying case – for PowerLite 905 915W 92 93 95 96W |